Fundraiser For Fallen Westerville Officers Passes $300,000 In One Day

Two people embrace at a memorial for two Westerville officers killed on Saturday.

Nick Evans
/ WOSU

A fundraiser to support funeral expenses for two Westerville Police officers killed in the line of duty this weekend has already surpassed $300,000, after just one day online.

The GoFundMe campaign, organized by the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9, says the money raised will help the families of Anthony Morelli and Eric Joering pay for medical bills, housing costs and educational resources for their children, in addition to funeral costs.

Donations quickly flew past the campaign's original goal of $50,000.

Morelli and Joering were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call on Saturday morning. The suspect, Quentin Lamar Smith, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder.

Police on Monday escorted the bodies of 39-year-old Joering and 54-year-old Morelli from the coroner's office to separate funeral homes. Members of the public were invited to line the procession route.

Gov. John Kasich ordered all flags at public properties lowered to half-staff to honor the officers. His order will apply until the officers are interred.

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